I am a firm believer that books can truly change the world. People throughout history have burned books because of the words contained inside. Words have power, and books can teach us small things about the world without us even realizing.

I love the impact other peoples words can have on me. When someone tells me they don't like to read, I really don't understand how. Reading teaches you crazy things without even trying.

Maybe not everyone is a reader, but here, in no particular order, are 10 books that definitely changed my life, even in a small way.

1. "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger

This coming of age story about Holden accentuates how hard it is to grow up smart, but as an underachiever. Salinger creates a world of hate for Holden, and allows readers to move through life with him. Holden learns how to cope with hatred and saddness and I learned along with him.

2. "The Outsiders" by S.E. Hinton

This is by far my absolute favorite book ever. I’ve read it about a thousand and two times. I keep it in my purse with me at all times. Ponyboy Curtis teaches the world about acceptance, belonging, and the importance of family. Themes of gang violence, childhood impact, and friendship are sprinkled within. You may have read this in middle school but I would recommend reading it again as a young adult. You may be surprised by how much you fall in love with Sodapop.

3. "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling

There are dozens of studies that show that "Harry Potter" readers are more likely to support equality and are less likely to bully others. Queen Rowling writes about friendship, equality, light versus dark, and loss in a way that no other writer (that I’ve come across, anyway) can. Be a good person and read "Harry Potter!"

4. "Stargirl" by Jerry Spinelli

It sounds dumb, but "Stargirl" truly did change my perspective on how I look at myself. Stargirl as a character is beautiful and important. She showed our generation that it’s absolutely okay to be exactly who you are. We don’t need to change for anything, especially to fit in. Those of us in Generation Y need this reminder every now and again.

5. "The Five People You Meet In Heaven" by Mitch Albom

Mitch Albom writes a beautiful story about a man who dies saving a little girl from falling. He carries us through a whirlwind that is the passage to Heaven, and we learn how impactful your life is. Eddie, the protagonist, meets five people on his way to Heaven and each one explained the impact he had on their lives. Small things can make the biggest difference.

6. "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini

I read this novel in tenth grade for a book report and I couldn’t say enough about it. The story was beautiful and heart-wrenching and made me appreciate my life. Amir explores themes of rape, irony, and redemption. There were parts of the novel that truly sickened me but I ate each word like it was candy. I couldn’t put it down. It’s an important and relevant read.

7. "The Secret Life of Bees" by Sue Monk Kidd

This novel about abuse and finding belonging in a world that keeps knocking you down truly made me appreciate my supportive family. There are so many people out there - especially children - who don’t have a good support system. Kids need parents who are going to parent them, but also be there for them when they need it most. Reading this heartbreaking novel made me remember how crucial my family is in my life and how grateful I am to have them.

8. "The Giver" by Lois Lowry

"The Giver" opened my eyes to something I didn’t realize I needed an update on: Color. Jonah, The Receiver, embarks on a journey to receive everything that was stripped from his world. This book made me appreciate the small things, like color and sunlight. We often get caught up in the big things and sometimes we need a reminder that there are more important things.